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A Playstation 3 software update last month erased the free operating system, Linux, leaving disgruntled gamers to file complaints in several states and now a class action lawsuit.

Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc., faces claims from gamers who say Sony's Playstation 3 was devalued when customers were forced to update their systems with an update that disabled the "Other OS" feature.

The firmware 3.0 update was supposed to be aimed at fighting software piracy, but consumers allege that they purchased the PS3 because Sony advertised it to function as a computer with Internet access and as a video game console. The update makes the PS3 no longer worth the cost gamers paid without the Linux feature, the users allege.

"People paid a lot of money for a system they were told would do certain things and Sony came in after people paid all that money and took away functionality. So people should receive money back," attorney Rebecca Coll told Consumer Ally.

The law firm encouraged anyone who purchased a PS3 from Nov, 17, 2006 through March 27, 2010 to notify the firm and has received hundreds of inquiries and complaints from PS3 owners.

The firm served the complaint on April 29 and should hear back next week from Sony, Coll said.

The firm has asked for either injunctive release, which can be any number of requirements for Sony that the court deems appropriate, or, it can include restoring functionality to the PS3 software and allowing Linux to function again. In addition, the firm will ask the court to consider retribution for customers.